Rhys Jones was shot as he rode his bike a month before his 12th birthday

He said: "First, we would like to record our enormous gratitude to Merseyside police for their professionalism and perseverance in securing this outcome, especially for Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly.

"From the day Rhys died, the kindness shown by the people of Liverpool has been immeasurable, for which we will always thank them from the bottom of our heart.

"Over the months, we have found strength in messages of support from the many thousands around the world. As a family, today is not the final chapter, but we can begin the challenge of rebuilding our lives."

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